TREATMENT PLAN, PROGNOSIS, KEY INFORMATION

TREATMENT PLAN

Conservative management for cyclical pain:

• Reassurance
• Simple analgesia
• Well-fitted bras
• Pain diary to monitor response Referral criteria:

1. Urgent referral:
   • Age >30: unexplained breast/axillary lump
   • Age >50: unilateral nipple changes
   • Skin changes suggestive of cancer o Non-responsive eczema o       Non-infective erythema o orange
2. Routine referral:
   • Age <30: unexplained breast/axillary lump

PROGNOSIS

• Cyclical breast pain: good with conservative management
• If no improvement after 3 months: a specialist referral

KEY INFORMATION

• Rule out infection and malignancy in non-cyclical pain
• Cancer is unlikely if no lump/nipple discharge
• Infection is doubtful if no redness/swelling/fever
• Cyclical pain is typically benign

EXTRA’S

• Monitor response to conservative measures using a pain diary.

Breast Pain Reference